Arizona Baseball Advances to Men’s College World Series

The comeback Cats struck again in the college baseball postseason. 

Arizona baseball kicked off their Super Regional on Friday within 18-2 loss. While facing elimination the past two days, Arizona grinded out a 10-8 win on Saturday and then took down host North Carolina 4-3 to clinch a berth to the Men’s College World Series.

It’s the Cats’ first appearance in Omaha under Chip Hale. The last time Arizona made it to the Men’s College World Series was 2021.  

Chip Hale won the 1986 College World Series with Arizona 29 years ago TOMORROW

June 9 also happens to be his wife Judi’s birthday

Now Hale is taking his alma mater to Omaha

How can you not be romantic about baseball?

— Brian Pedersen (@realBJP) June 8, 2025

The hometown kid Mason White struck when it mattered most, bringing in two runs on a bases loaded single in the eighth inning to give the ‘Cats a 4-3 lead. 

“I was eight years old when we wont the national title,” White said after the game on the broadcast. “I bought the winning t-shirt like the second it happened. I was about 12 years old when we went back in ’16. Now we are going back to play (Coastal Carolina). It just means the absolute world to me. This is why I committed here. This is why I came here and I grew up for this moment.” 

Freshman Bailey Smith threw six innings, giving up three runs and striking out four. The Wildcat bullpen did not give up a run and Tony Pluta shut the door in the ninth to earn his 14th season of the season. 

It is the 19th time Arizona has reached Omaha. The Men’s College World Series kicks off on Friday.